Journal of Occupational Health最新文献

{"title":"Health effects of indium compounds in animal experiments.","authors":"Akiyo Tanaka","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf007","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Before 2000, very little attention had been paid to the health effects of indium, a rare metal, because there was very little information in the literature on its toxicity. A fatal case of indium-tin oxide (ITO) inhalation occurred in 2001, followed by concerns regarding occupational exposure to indium compounds and their health effects. Epidemiological studies and case reports have established a causal relationship between the inhalation of insoluble indium compounds, mainly ITO, and the development of lung damage. This review focuses on the results of animal studies of ITO and other insoluble indium compounds. Available data indicate that insoluble indium compounds such as ITO, indium arsenide (InAs), indium phosphide (InP), and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) solar cell materials are toxic to the lungs of animals. In addition to lung damage, ITO nanoparticles have been found to cause kidney damage, whereas InAs, InP, and ITO cause testicular damage. Furthermore, there is compelling evidence for the carcinogenic potential of InP in long-term inhalation studies using rats and mice, which was evident in rats exposed to ITO. Based on the results of these animal experiments, the International Agency for Research on Cancer evaluated InP as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) and ITO as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2 B). Based on the results of animal studies, it should be noted that occupational exposure of humans to insoluble indium compounds not only may cause lung damage, but also lung carcinogenesis and kidney or testicular damage in the future. Greater attention should be directed towards human occupational exposure to insoluble indium compounds.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11894926/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143189552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Decoding the molecular enigma behind asbestos and fibrous nanomaterial-induced carcinogenesis.","authors":"Shinya Toyokuni, Yingyi Kong","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae064","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The natural fibrous mineral, asbestos, has been useful in industry for many centuries. In the 1960s, epidemiology recognized the association between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, and in 1987 the International Agency for Research on Cancer designated all kinds of asbestos as Group 1 carcinogens. However, various scientific enigmas remained regarding the molecular mechanisms of asbestos-induced mesothelial carcinogenesis. This review article was undertaken to reveal and summarize recent discoveries to resolve those enigmas.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We collected recent important findings from our own laboratory and others to explain why mesothelial cells are the target for asbestos-induced carcinogenesis and what are the key molecular mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The long incubation period of 30-40 years for mesothelial carcinogenesis after asbestos exposure allows the asbestos fibers to go through the pulmonary parenchyma from the central to peripheral portions and ultimately reach the parietal mesothelium by piercing visceral pleura. Asbestos fibers have affinity for hemoglobin and histones, thus accumulating iron on the surface while traveling through the lung. Mesothelial cells are phagocytic cells, engulfing iron-coated asbestos fibers. Accordingly, homozygous deletion of the p16INK4a tumor suppressor gene, a signature of excess iron-induced carcinogenesis, is acquired through oxidative DNA damage. Recently, exosome-dependent iron transfer from asbestos-fed macrophages to mesothelial cells was reported. Similar molecular mechanisms are observed with multiwalled carbon nanotubes of ~50-nm diameter.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Physical dimensions, biopersistence, and affinity to iron/histones are essential for fibrous material to be carcinogenic to mesothelial cells. Therefore, local iron reduction may be a strategy to prevent mesothelial carcinogenesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830428/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143052744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between working hours, income, and work-related injury among freelancers in Japan: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Kazuhiro Watanabe, Kazuhito Yokoyama, Akizumi Tsutsumi","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf032","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Limited empirical data are available regarding the safety of self-employed workers in Japan. This study investigated the associations between working hours, income, and work-related injuries among freelancers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from an internet survey conducted in 2022. Self-employed individuals who did not work as employees or earn an income from their employment were recruited. Work-related injuries, working hours, and annual income were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Prevalence ratios (PRs) of injury were estimated using modified Poisson regression models, while controlling for covariates. Additionally, PRs were analyzed for each stratum of working hours and income levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 1856 freelancers met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Among them, 222 (12.0%) experienced at least 1 work-related injury. A significantly higher risk of injury was observed among those working long hours (≥60 h/wk: PR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.16-2.34; P = .005) and those in the second-lowest income bracket (¥2 to <¥4 million: PR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.05-1.94; P = .024). Furthermore, several strata exhibited significantly higher PRs, particularly among workers with high incomes who also worked long hours (≥60 h/wk).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Long working hours, particularly exceeding 60 h/wk, are associated with a significantly higher risk of work-related injuries among freelancers. Additionally, 2 high-risk groups were identified based on the combination of working hours and income levels: those with relatively low incomes, and high-income earners who also worked extended hours.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12229265/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144284982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction to: Importance of early detection and treatment of occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis.","authors":"","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf033","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf033","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":"67 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12205940/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144369008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Workplace loneliness and job turnover: a 6-month prospective study.","authors":"Natsu Sasaki, Kanami Tsuno, Reiko Kuroda, Kotaro Imamura, Hisashi Eguchi, Akihito Shimazu, Norito Kawakami","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf009","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This longitudinal study examined the associations of workplace loneliness with job turnover at 6-month follow-up among Japanese full-time employees.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employed a 6-month prospective design as part of the Employee Cohort Study in Japan. Data from wave 15 (February 2024; baseline, T1) and wave 16 (August 2024; follow-up, T2) were used. Only participants who were employed at baseline and completed the follow-up survey were included in the analysis. Workplace loneliness at T1 was measured using 3 scales: the Loneliness at Work Scale (LAWS), a single-item workplace loneliness scale, and a 3-item scale developed by modifying the short UCLA (University College, Los Angeles) Loneliness Scale for workplace loneliness. Job turnover at T2 was defined based on responses indicating either leaving a job or moving to a different company within the preceding 6 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the association between workplace loneliness and job turnover, adjusting for sociodemographic variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 706 employees who were employed at baseline were included in the analysis. Observed turnover at follow-up was n = 47 (6.7%). Participants who experienced turnover had significantly higher baseline scores for LAWS and the 3-item scale (P = .044 and P = .012, respectively). In the multivariable logistic regression, all 3 workplace loneliness scales demonstrated similar and significant associations with turnover at follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Workplace loneliness leads to job turnover. Further research is needed to address the generalization and explore mechanisms of the present findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11879050/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143080400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oxidative and nitrative DNA damage induced by industrial chemicals in relation to carcinogenesis.","authors":"Yusuke Hiraku","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf003","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Many chemicals have been used for industrial purposes, and some of them are carcinogenic to humans. However, the molecular mechanisms of their carcinogenetic effects have not been well understood. Reactive oxygen species are generated from industrial chemicals and contribute to carcinogenesis. Particles and fibers are accumulated in respiratory systems by inhalation exposure and cause chronic inflammation. Under inflammatory conditions, reactive nitrogen species are generated from inflammatory and epithelial cells. These species cause oxidative and nitrative DNA damage, leading to carcinogenesis. We carried out experiments on DNA damage induced by various industrial chemicals and investigated their molecular mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We examined oxidative DNA damage induced by industrial chemicals using DNA fragments derived from human cancer-relevant genes by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry we also examined the formation of 8-nitroguanine (8-nitroG), a DNA lesion formed under inflammatory conditions, in lung tissues and cultured cells exposed to industrial chemicals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Benzene and o-toluidine metabolites caused oxidative damage to DNA fragments in the presence of Cu(II). H2O2 and Cu(I) were generated during oxidation of these chemicals and involved in DNA damage. 8-NitroG formation was observed in lung tissues of asbestos-exposed mice and humans. Carbon nanomaterials and indium compounds induced 8-nitroG formation in human lung epithelial cells via the release of damage-associated molecular patterns from exposed cells.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Various industrial chemicals are considered to induce carcinogenesis by causing oxidative and nitrative DNA damage. These findings provide an insight into risk assessment of industrial chemicals and prevention of carcinogenesis in workplaces.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12491942/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143033292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Techno-strain and techno-insecurity are associated with poor mental well-being in specific age and occupation groups.","authors":"Hang-Ju Yang, Yawen Cheng, Yen-Ling Liu, Wan-Ju Cheng","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae079","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Innovative technology at work can lead to stress and has been linked with adverse work and health consequences. This study aimed to examine the association of techno-insecurity and techno-strain with mental well-being in different age and occupational groups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used a nationally representative survey of the working population and restricted our analyses to 2814 employees who reported being engaged with new technology. Techno-insecurity and techno-strain were evaluated by a single question each. Mental health status was assessed by a 5-item scale, and burnout status was assessed by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. We used logistic regression analysis to examine the association of techno-insecurity and techno-strain with mental well-being, adjusting for job control, psychological demands, job insecurity, and workplace violence. We further stratified study participants by age and occupational group and examined the association in each group.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One-fifth of the study participants reported having techno-insecurity and techno-strain. Techno-insecurity was associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk of poor mental health and high burnout, whereas techno-strain was associated with a 2.2-fold increased risk of having poor mental health and high burnout. The associations between techno-insecurity or techno-strain and poor mental health were most profound among middle-aged workers. Among all occupational groups, the associations between techno-insecurity or techno-strain and burnout were most profound among manual workers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Techno-strain and techno-insecurity are emerging occupational mental health threats, particularly among middle-aged and manual workers. To promote mental health, resources provided by the organization are needed to help employees cope and work with technology.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11827113/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142895463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Carcinogenicity assessment: \"modern toxicology\" considerations from experience in the evaluation of a carbon nanotube.","authors":"Jun Kanno","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf013","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The novel properties and functions of nanomaterials have naturally alerted toxicologists to the fact that such materials may also have novel effects on the human body and other living organisms. In particular, materials with high stability or biopersistency have been shown to have a tendency to accumulate in the body, leading to chronic toxicity including carcinogenicity. However, in the early stages of toxicity research, the information is often limited to the effects of short-term exposure studies, and findings on chronic effects are very much delayed. In this context, it was exceptional that studies on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have started with the verification of their potential to induce mesothelioma. This toxicological endpoint was expected on the basis of existing knowledge of asbestos and asbestos-like fiber particles. This movement has led to the achievement of the original mission of \"modern toxicology,\" which is \"to achieve a win-win situation where both industrial promotion and safety assurance are ensured by communicating and sharing toxicity information to developers and consumers at a stage before mass production and consumption begins, that is, before massive exposure of the general public begins.\" Inaccurate toxicity assessments of asbestos in the 1980s and 1990s allowed its spread to our living environment, which is difficult to decontaminate, and the damage continues to this day. However, the case described here could be an example of realizing the proposition that \"nanomaterials, the flagship of high technology, must not repeat the same mistakes.\"</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12057693/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143441167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biopsychosocial and physical factors associated with firefighter musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review.","authors":"Jennifer Tinsley Kubala, Rachel Kleis, Johanna Hoch","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf028","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Firefighters are frequently exposed to psychologically and physically stressful experiences. This volatile occupational environment is thought to contribute to the risk of firefighter musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, investigations of firefighter MSDs are limited, and to our knowledge, have not been collectively examined. The purpose of this novel systematic review was to systematically identify, critically appraise, and synthesize evidence regarding the relationship between MSDs and personal, physical, and psychosocial factors among career firefighters to guide future study directions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, APA PsychInfo, PubMed) were searched from inception to December 12, 2024, which yielded 741 results. This review followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines and used the AXIS (Assess the Quality of Cross-Sectional Studies) tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The final review included 20 cross-sectional studies (AXIS scores 12-18). Of those, 19 examined physical factor(s), and 16 examined psychosocial factor(s). The overall evidence suggests a positive relationship between firefighter MSD reports and body mass index (BMI), occupational stress, and depression. A negative relationship to physical activity engagement was consistently observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Body mass index , physical activity, and occupational stress were the most consistently examined factors related to firefighter MSDs. Odds of MSD occurrences were positively related to occupational stress and BMI, and negatively related to physical activity engagement; therefore, future investigations can focus primarily on these factors in relation to MSD risk. The establishment of reliable and culturally appropriate MSD report forms among firefighters is warranted as data collected were heterogeneous and not directly comparable. Finally, this report suggests that prospective examinations of both physical and psychosocial factors related to firefighter MSDs are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12202764/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144142832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The relationship between the dominant hand and neck/shoulder pain in the workplace: a prospective cohort study.","authors":"Yukiko Ogawa, Tomohisa Nagata, Kiminori Odagami, Takeshi Ebara, Junko Nakatani, Koji Mori","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf042","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To date, no studies have investigated the relationship between one's dominant hand and neck/shoulder pain. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to explore the relationship between one's dominant hand and the severity of neck/shoulder pain. We also examined the relationship between the dominant hand and the onset of neck/shoulder pain at follow-up among workers without neck/shoulder pain at baseline.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a prospective cohort study of 9451 workers. The dominant hand was measured by 10 items from the Japanese version of the Flanders Questionnaire at the baseline survey. We assessed neck/shoulder pain using a numeric rating scale. We calculated the unstandardized coefficient (B) using multiple regression analysis and the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for neck/shoulder pain using modified Poisson regression among workers who were free of neck/shoulder pain at baseline.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 9451 respondents for the baseline survey, 6156 responded to the follow-up survey (response rate: 65.1%). Mixed-handed workers reported a higher degree of neck/shoulder pain than right-handed workers (B, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.09-0.58). Among 2481 participants, mixed-handed workers also had a higher IRR for neck/shoulder pain (IRR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01-1.61). There was no difference in any of the left-handers compared with the right-handers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study found that mixed-handed workers had higher levels of neck/shoulder pain than right-handed workers, and the incidence rate was also higher among mixed-handed workers. Employers should consider these findings when designing work environments, managing tasks, and providing occupational health training to optimize worker comfort and safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12350021/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144690493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}